SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Wyoming’s offense could not operate against the best defense in the Mountain West Saturday, giving up 24 points and 390 yards of total offense against San Diego State. The Aztecs now cruise to the top of the conference, while Wyoming must now win two of its last three games for bowl eligibility.
Wyoming QB Kaden Anderson had little room for error against the top-ranked Mountain West defense in the Aztecs. Over the course of the season, the Aztecs have allowed only 73 opponent points—85 points less than second-best Wyoming.
Anderson threw for just 93 yards, while the rest of the backfield would rush for just 89. Wyoming’s running game was led by second-option QB Landon Sims, who was injured mid-game after four carries and Wyoming’s only touchdown of the night.
That single scoring drive was also Wyoming’s very first of the outing. The Pokes came out strong with 75 yards over eight carries and kept the push alive thanks to a 23-yard pass to Michael Fitzgerald on a third down and two and a Sims 37-yard rush on a second and eight.
Sims put the cherry on top of the drive with a three yard pass to running back Sam Scott. The QB has been behind center more ofter under new offensive coordinator Jovon Bouknight, but this is first passing touchdown of the season.
The Cowboys would deflate soon after that initial drive, including in their kicking game. Wyoming failed to get to the red zone for the remainder of the game, forcing the team to settle for two field goals—both missed.
In stark contrast to Anderson’s zero-turnover night against Colorado State Oct. 25, Wyoming also struggled heavily with turnovers. The quarterback threw three interceptions on top of a fumble, which the Aztecs converted into ten points.
That left the Pokes’ defense on the field often and in bad positions. The Aztecs would see seven more first downs than the Cowboys over the course of the game.
Wyoming’s #2 Mountain West defense still limited the Aztecs to only around 31 minutes of possession and forced two turnovers of their own, laying a lot on the line doing so. Notably, linebacker and defensive leader Evan Eller went down on one play and did not return to the action for the remainder of the game.
Also despite the poor matchup for Anderson’s offense, Wyoming won the conversion game on third downs. While the Pokes failed to make it far down field, they successfully converted on six of their 16 third downs, while the Aztecs only managed to do the same on two of their twelve. Keeping the ball in Wyoming’s hands certainly kept the game within reach.
However, a breakout 50-yard rush from Aztec running back Lucky Sutton with less than three minutes in the game to make the score its final 24-7, would kill the remaining hopes for a Cowboy comeback.
Wyoming now falls to 4-5 and 2-3 in conference play. They’ll face the Fresno State Bulldogs Saturday, Nov. 15, in California after a bye week. For more information on the team’s schedule, see the Wyoming Athletics website.
